Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 2
2:1 Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?
2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying,
2:3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.”
2:4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD has them in derision.
2:5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
2:6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
2:7 I will tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.
2:8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
2:9 You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
2:10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, with trembling kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.
Reflections
Psalm 2 has intrigued Bible scholars for centuries. While the initial reading would indicate that is it a Psalm of king David, at a time when the people that Israel conquered were rebelling against them, it is also known to be a messianic Psalm. When the author states “you are my son; today I have begotten you” many believe this means David is referring to himself. However, Christianity and even some of Judaism declare this to be referring to the messiah. The Babylonian Talmud says this about the prophetic nature of this passage:
Our Rabbis taught, The Holy One, blessed be He, will say to the Messiah, the son of David (May he reveal himself speedily in our days!), ‘Ask of me anything, and I will give it to thee’, as it is said, I will tell of the decree etc. this day have I begotten thee, ask of me and I will give the nations for thy inheritance. But when he will see that the Messiah the son of Joseph is slain, he will say to Him, ‘Lord of the Universe, I ask of Thee only the gift of life’.’ (Sukkah 52a)
In the prophetic reading, this passage is referring to the offspring of David that would soon come. The messiah. This concept was connected by the author of Hebrews as well;
In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father (begotten).” (Hebrews 5:5)
The OT speak of the messiah over and over again, even when it may not be direct. Do not miss an opportunity to explore the depths of the OT and understand that God has had a plan for salvation always. It was no accident that you and I are called God’s children. He’s been working since the beginning of time to draw us too Him. Do not miss out on the divine calling in your life to walk with the Father day by day. It was His plan for you before you were even conceived.
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